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19 July 2005

Craftbar Redux

Craftbar's new space, in what was Morell's downtown, took a moment to get back up to speed, but once again they've got all pistons ablaze. While we're not nearly as fond of this space as the original and can't quite say the redesign approaches the old Craftbar's level of style and aesthetics, the food is still among NYC's top tier on this casual, accessible level. The room accomodates more diners now and reservations, for all but the 10 tables up front and the bar, are required. Two of us recently sat down for a proper lunch in the back and shared three apps and a main.

grilled octopus with chorizo and piquillo peppers - perfect as usual: tons of flavor and not at all rubbery.

dandelion
salad with cured anchovies and a poached egg: one of the city's best
salads, definitely a rival of our other favorite - Lupa's escarole, pecorino & walnut.

braised and roasted bunny with escarole, fava beans and
Dijon gnocci. Pretty good really and the gnocci simply killing, with achingly adorable bunny
chops. Truth be
told however, we're still partial to CQ's roast bunny.

One lonesome 2001 Chenin Blanc by the glass sufficed as we were due back at work, so though the bunny could have used a Pinot Noir, we refrained. We'll return soon though and make up for such dismaying teatotaling.